Intramural Soccer Rules

Teams and Substitutions

Five people will play. Teams may play with four players when necessary, if the opposing team agrees to it. In co-ed leagues, a team must have at least 2 women playing on the field at all times.

Timekeepers and Scorekeepers

Supervisors will be responsible for keeping time and score.

Time

Play will consist of 2 halves with no time-outs. However, the supervisor may signal for the clock to be stopped if there is an injury or if the ball is kicked way out of bounds. There may be a 3 minute half-time period by mutual agreement. There is no overtime for tied games at the end of regulation time.

Overtime

If, at the end of the game (regulation time of play) there is a tie score, it will stand. For playoffs, if the score is tied at the end of regulation, there will be a sudden-death overtime.

Goals

There will be no goalie, and the goal will be provided by the Intramural Office. There is no goal tending and in the event the supervisor witnesses goal tending, a change of possession will be charged. If it happens again, the other team will be awarded a direct kick.

Scoring

A goal can only be scored on a shot taken from within the blue line inside the numbers. A goal is scored when the ball is completely over the goal line into the net. A goal must be scored before time runs out on the clock. If a defender kicks the ball into the net and is within the blue line, it is a goal.

Kickoffs

To start play and after every goal, both teams will be inside their shooting areas (see diagram of playing field). The team that was scored upon will pass the ball in an offensive direction from a position on its shooting line.

Passes

A pass may not cross more than one shot line. An infraction will lead to an indirect kick. (see indirect kicks)

Shots

Shots on goal must be taken from within the shooting area or on the shot line of the team of defense.

Throw-In

When the ball passes completely over a touchline, it shall be thrown in by a member of the team that did not touch it last, from the point where it crossed the line. The thrower, when delivering the ball, must face the field and have part of each foot either on or behind the touchline; and shall use both hands to deliver the ball from over his head. Any throw-in must first be played outside the defensive offside area, and a goal may not be scored directly from a throw-in. All out-of-bounds or throw-in calls will be made by the players. In a disagreement, the supervisor's decision will be final. An improperly executed throw-in will result in a throw-in from the same spot by the opposing team.

Corner Throw-In

When a ball is last touched by the defensive team and passes completely over a goal line, a throw-in is awarded to those on offense. This throw-in must be taken from the corner goal-side where the ball went out.

Defensive Offsides

A defensive player, or players, may enter the offside area only when the ball or an offensive player does.

Goal Kick

When the ball passes completely over a goal line and is last touched by an offensive player, a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. A goal kick is an indirect free kick to be taken from the outside line by the numbers on the field, on the side where the ball went out. NOTE: A goal kick may not cross more than one shot line without touching another player.

Fouls, Cautions, and Expulsions

A foul is called by the opposing player for intentionally rough or dangerous play. Example: pushing, blocking, tripping, holding, jumping at opponent, or high kicking. A player shall be cautioned if he persistently violates any of the laws of the game; and he will be ordered from the field if he persists in misconduct after a caution, or if he is guilty of violent conduct. A player who has been ordered off shall leave the playing field within one minute, but may be substituted for.

Handball

A handball is called for intentional handling of the ball, that is, carrying it or striking it with the hand or arm. A penalty shot is awarded for this infraction.

Direct or Penalty Kicks

A penalty kick is a direct free shot on goal from one of two penalty marks on the shot line, three strides in from a side line. It may be kicked directly at the goal, or it may be passed to another player. All players must be behind the shot line when the penalty kick is taken and at least three yards from the ball. Neither team may leave the shot line until the ball has been kicked or passed. A penalty kick is awarded for defensive offside, a handball, or a foul committed by the offensive side in its own shooting area.

Other Infractions

Other penalties (other than the ones mentioned under direct or penalty kicks on the previous page) are generally dealt with as direct kicks. Repeated violations may lead to a penalty shot, at the referee's discretion.

Indirect Free Kicks

An indirect free kick will be awarded to the defensive team when a ball crosses over two cross field lines (shot or goal lines) without touching another player. This infraction will result in an indirect kick from the midfield side of the first line crossed and at the point where the ball intersected that line. A goal may not be scored directly on an indirect free kick.

a) A player may not refuse to play a ball he is capable of playing in order to obtain a two line violation. This will result in a "play on" if the second line is a shot line or a goal kick if it is an end line.

b) In some cases a decision as to the intent of the kick, that is, whether the team is using the ball constructively or just kicking (long) determines the awarding of a free kick, i.e. a lead pass that is missed.
Only Sneakers Will Be Allowed on the Field